President Obama paid a visit to the Magic Kingdom yesterday to give a short speech on tourism. Main Street U.S.A. was walled off from park guests until a little after 2pm (below, left). While some areas were not open to the public, Disney pulled a terrific backstage experience out of it’s hat! Parade floats and Main Street vehicles lined the backstage walkway from Main Street to Tomorrowland, including these fish from Spectromagic (below, right).

A variety of Main Street vehicles were on display (below, left), including this one that I haven’t seen in a long time (below, right).

Video #1 – Magic Kingdom Parade Floats in Detail During Obama’s Visit: Spectromagic, Haunted Mansion, Pirates – For those who didn’t visit the Magic Kingdom during President Obama’s speech, there were some nice extras that you will see here. Tick Tock Crock, the Haunted Mansion Float from Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, Scrooge McDuck’s float from Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and so much more! Transportation vehicles also lined the walkway. This was a nice bonus for those who did visit!

The Haunted Mansion float from Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade was also available to take pictures with (below, left). We enjoyed seeing all these floats close up! Tick Tock Crock looks a little less menacing during the day (below, right).

Cinderella’s Coach (below, left) was the biggest draw for guests. A pirate treasure float from Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade (below, right) was one of the last floats before entering into Tomorrowland.

We had our picture taken with this Spectromagic float (below, left). Cast members seem to be enjoying the temporary change and DJ music dance in front of a Once Upon a Christmastime Parade float (below, right).

Video #2 – Magic Kingdom Special Backstage Entrance with Parade Floats, Vehicles Etc, Obama Visit 1/19/12 – With President Obama giving his speech at the Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A. needed to be closed to the public. A Special Backstage Entrance with Parade Floats, Main Street Vehicles a DJ and more was created to allow guests into the park. This was shortly before Main Street re opened (we were the last guests left before closing this area). Cast members seem to be enjoying the temporary change and music!

Each walkway to the hub was blocked to guests (below left and right) as well as extra temporary walls and the closure of the People Mover and Railroad.

The Hall of Presidents (below, left) hosted a simulcast of President Obama’s speech. We entered into the lobby (below, right), which wasn’t crowded.

We waited for the presentation to begin which ended up being a full house (below, left). President Obama eventually made his way to the podium (below, right), which was located in the Center Street area of Main Street U.S.A.. It was Fun to hear the audience of theme park guests react to the speech!

At the end of hos speech President Obama waves to Walt and Mickey (below, left). Denise made an early getaway to check out what was going on in the park, but took a photo of the audience watching on the way out (below, right).

Video #3 – President Obama’s Speech Simulcast at Hall of Presidents 1/19/12 Magic Kingdom, WDW – President Obama’s speech today at the Magic Kingdom recorded from the simulcast to a packed house at the Hall of Presidents! Fun to hear the audience of theme park guests react to the speech!

A flag was displayed on Main Street U.S.A. while President Obama was speaking (below, left). First Aid, Baby Care and Lost Children were being taken care of in Tomorrowland in the former lounge area by Space Mountain (below, right).

Extra characters were part of the Tomorrowland dance party (below, left). Pooh and Tigger danced up a storm together (below, right).

The Diamond Horseshoe also hosted a dance party with Woody and Jessie (below, left). We noticed that the projected snowflakes were left over from Christmas (below, right).

The Main Street Philharmonic plays a song in Liberty Square (below, left). Patriotic banners were draped from the buildings along Main Street (below, right), even after President Obama had left.

Video #4 – President Obama Visit to Magic Kingdom: A Day In the Park w/Extra Security, Entertainment, Floats – President Obama gave a speech at the Magic Kingdom 1/19/12 resulting with a wall blocking Main Street U.S.A., a special backstage entrance with parade floats and entertainment, areas of the park blocked off and other changes. This shows the progression of the day concluding with Main Street reopening shortly after 2pm.

To help spread out the crowds during the Presidents visit, Disney’s Hollywood Studios presented a special “Rock the Night” fireworks spectacular, which was very similar to the New Years Eve display. Green Army Men walked along Hollywood Boulevard (below, right).

Mulch, Sweat and Shears played sets of songs from the 80’s before the fireworks (below, left). Smaller fireworks shot from the stage as they played (below, right).

Denise took these photos from a different area that included a view of Min & Bills Dockside Diner, along with the Chinese Theater. While the fireworks show is shorter than others, it is a favorite of ours! This would be a great regular addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios especially on days when Fantasmic is not performing.

Video #5 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios presents Rock the Night Fireworks Spectacular 1/19/12 Walt Disney World – This is the special “Rock the Night” fireworks spectacular presented at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on 1/19/12 (the same day as President Obama visited the Magic Kingdom). The fireworks are set to a live rock set by Mulch, Sweat & Shears!

For many more great photos, please check out MouseSteps latest update HERE!

Remember Christmas: Holiday Treat 2011 DVD – Available Now:

Seasons Greetings from Jeff Lange! Celebrate the holidays with this new DVD featuring the 2011 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World.

Features yearly favorites such as: “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish (Castle Lighting)“, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade“, The Magic, The Memories and You! (Holiday Segment), “Holiday Wishes Fireworks – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season“, “Celebrate the Season Show“, Very Merry Party Scenes, and much more!

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Frontierland” attractions. This fifth volume in the series features the following: Splash Mountain (1992), Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (2006), Country Bear Jamboree (1992), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1997), Tom Sawyer Island (2006) and more!

Also available

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Adventureland” attractions. This fourth volume in the series features the following: Adventureland Tour (1992-1997), Jungle Cruise (1993), Enchanted Tiki Birds Tropical Serenade (1992), Pirates of the Caribbean (original version including Barker Bird 1992), Pirates of the Caribbean (1997) and more!

Also available

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Liberty Square” attractions. This third volume in the series features the following: The Hall of Presidents (Original Version – 1993), Mike Fink Keel Boats (opening day attraction – 1992), Haunted Mansion (original version – 1992), Haunted Mansion Bonus Ride (my final recording of the original version with some special surprises – 2006)!

Click on any cover for more information

Walt Disney World Vintage Footage:

Jeff Lange turns back the clock to 1986, where you will experience Walt Disney World through the eyes of Disneyana documentarian Bob Welbaum. This incredible vintage footage includes select narration from Mr. Welbaum, who shot this video before recording was commonplace.